JPS6321073B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a quick coupling used for pipes such as plastic or metal pipes and tubes, which allows the pipes to be easily connected without requiring any preparation for the pipes. Concerning improvements to rapid joints that have become possible. In such quick fittings, tube retention and tightness are achieved automatically without the need for the user to adjust the fitting. These joints are called quick joints. This is because there is no assembly time required for the fitting, only the tube needs to be fed to the end of the fitting. A wide variety of quick joints are known, and they currently include the latest in connection technology. This technology is
In particular, it is intensively used for compressed air connections using plastic pipes. The only drawback of this fitting is that the tube must be absolutely completely attached to the end of the fitting. This is not always the case, as the user does not always push the tube all the way in, which may result in the tube leaking or not being stored. Although this is not too inconvenient in most cases,
Depending on the application of this joint, human lives are sometimes at stake, so it is essential that the connection be completely safe. This is the case with compressed air brakes used on heavy trucks and with combustion gas supplies for industrial and domestic use. In the chemical industry, pipe connections are extremely critical since dangerous products can be released if the pipe connections are not secure. In other cases, such as hot water connections or central heating of domestic and industrial sanitary equipment, it is essential that the retention and tightness of the pipes are ensured, since leaks must never occur. In fact, water leaks in apartments and factories can be a terrible disaster. The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of quick fittings for pipes and to prevent assembly failures when a person fits the pipe into the fitting. Incorporating the tube into the fitting involves screwing the tube past several obstructing elements: the sealing element and the tube retaining member. Each time one of these elements is passed, resistance is generally encountered, interfering with the assembly operation. Since the fitting includes at least two elements, namely a sealing element and a tube retention member, the user can stop the tube assembly operation as soon as the first obstructive element is encountered and ensure that the tube is completely assembled. I end up thinking it's something. As a result, depending on the arrangement of the retaining member and the sealing element, the following disadvantages will occur: either the tube will not be retained or the tube will leak. According to the present invention, these drawbacks are eliminated and an assembly is obtained which automatically checks during assembly without any thought by the user. This process consists of eliminating all clamping of the tube holding member. Therefore, only the friction of the sealing element remains to be overcome. The tube enters the fitting substantially freely and when the tube abuts the inside of the tube holding member, the tube holding member is carried towards the fitting end. A sharp clicking sound is then heard when a predetermined resistance point is reached. This point of resistance is released by the normal force of the user performing the installation. When the click is felt by the user, the tube rapidly advances into contact with the end of the fitting. Beyond the point corresponding to this click, effective tension and locking of the retaining member is created on the tube inside the fitting. If a clicking sound commonly perceived by the user does not occur, the retaining member is not tensioned on the tube and the tube is not retained within the fitting. This means that during a check operation, it is immediately obvious that the installation is defective. As an example, for large truck brakes, the tubes are automatically released under pressure during a factory assembly check. As another example, when circulating water for a sanitary device circuit check, if the sanitary device is fully connected, a leaking fitting will be readily apparent. A simple check during assembly is to pull the tube after fitting it. If the tube is properly installed, it will not come out; if the tube is not completely locked, it will come out easily if you pull it by hand. Therefore, the position of the tube is very important, especially when the tube reaches almost the end of the joint during displacement, given a fairly short stroke, and it is important that the retaining member itself is pulled. Therefore, in order to lock the tube, it is essential that the tube completely reaches the fitting end. This device is therefore a member that abuts and is carried along with the tube, and in the movement of that member, resists the sudden yielding of a predetermined force and uses this force to hold the tube-holding member. A member is provided for locking or releasing the tube retaining member under stress. The device of the invention is designed so that its parts click as loud as possible and then come to a sudden stop between the parts, creating a shock that in any case is perceptible to the user during assembly. It's becoming like that. Different types of quick couplings, in particular the French patent no.
2012796, 7314829, 7314830
Quick joints filed by the present applicant as No. 7402124, No. 7320453, No. 7401617, No. 7410580, No. 7425105, and No. 7523879 are known. However, the improved coupling of the present invention provides a significant improvement in safety compared to these known quick couplings. In the joint of the invention, the retention function and the tightness are more important than the removal function, which is not instantaneous in this joint. Removal is carried out by removing the clip or loosening the nut, which allows access to the inner device of the fitting and, in particular, after unlocking the safety locking element, replacing the sealing element or removing the tube. Can be done. The device of the present invention can be incorporated into conventional-looking fittings, such as T-fittings, elbow fittings, union fittings, Banjo fittings, etc., and replacing common coupling means. However, the device may also be incorporated into elements that constitute a cartridge and are attached directly to the device, the interior of the cartridge being accessible by unscrewing a clip or screw from one end of the cartridge or from the device to which it is attached. After removing the cartridge, you can touch the other end of the cartridge. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a fitting for a tube having a smooth, flat end portion, comprising: (a) a hollow body, the body having a first hole opening through one end thereof; a second hole opening through the other end of the body and communicating with the first hole, the first hole having a diameter such that the tube can be inserted therein. (b) a locking element disposed within said first aperture; (c) a retaining member disposed within said first aperture; a member receiving a smooth end portion of the tube therein and movable in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first hole, at least a portion of the retaining member engaging an outer surface of the tube; (d) an outer surface of the retaining member capable of engaging a second rib on the inner surface of the locking member when the tube is inserted a predetermined distance into the retaining member and the housing; a detent device comprising a first rib provided;
The first rib overcomes the second rib to deform the retaining member into engagement with the outer surface of the tube when a user applies further force to the tube. (e) is adapted to snap into a groove formed adjacent to the second rib; (e) surrounds the tube to prevent removal of the retaining member and the locking element from the first hole; A joint is provided, characterized in that it is equipped with a closure device attached to the hollow body. The invention will be more easily understood by reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, the first, second and third
The figure shows a specific example of the joint of the invention.
This coupling has a hollow body 1 with two holes 1 a and 1 c , and as an extension of the hole 1 a a hole 1 u is provided which corresponds to the orifice of the fluid passage. One end of the main body 1 has a threaded part 1b onto which a nut 6 is screwed. The nut 6 has a hole 6c for passing and guiding the tube 7 at the entrance of the coupling. A circular O-ring 5 of toroidal form (especially with a rim) is arranged in the hole 1c , and this O-ring
- the ring rests on the one hand with the face 6a of the nut 6 and on the other hand with the face of the intermediate piece 4, which rests with the shoulder 1d of the body at the flange 4a ; The intermediate member 4, which separates the O-ring 5 from the tube holding member described below, has a bore for guiding the tube, into which a female conical portion 4b is continuously provided. The conical portion 4 b is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding conical portion 3 c of the holding member 3 . The holding member 3 is connected to the intermediate member 4 through the hole 1 a of the main body.
placed inside. The holding member 3 is constituted by a tubular section provided with a plurality of slots 3f . The tubular part is therefore divided into a plurality of sector members, which are adapted to move radially to tighten the tube 7. The inner deformable portion of the member includes:
Teeth 3b adapted to engage the wall of the tube 7 are provided, and on the outside thereof a detent device or detent circular rib 3a is provided. At the end of the holding member 3 facing in the direction of the end 1 e of the hole 1 a , an undivided annular part 3 e is provided, which part 3
e ensures the connection between the sector members of the deformable part and has a radial flange 3d against which the end of the tube 7 abuts. A locking element 2 is also arranged in the bore 1a of the body,
placed around the holding member 3. The locking element 2 is constituted by a rigid ring, which has at one end a circular rib 2f , followed by a groove 2d . The inner diameter of the groove 2d is smaller than the diameter of the rib 3a of the holding member in the free state. On the side opposite the ribs 2f , the locking element 2 has a radial flange 2g , against which an annular portion 3e of the holding member rests.
The radial flange 2g of the locking element 2 has three distinct functions. (1) the role of a stop at the end of the body; (2) the role of a stop for the retaining member at the inner surface 2a of the radial flange 2g of the locking element 2; and (3) the role of a stop within the body by this radial flange. The role is to make it impossible to assemble the lock element 2 in the reverse direction. Examples of such locking elements are referred to as asymmetric. FIG. 2 shows the fitting before the tube is inserted, with the retaining member 3 in a relaxed state and the two retaining teeth 3 b being maximally spaced apart,
It is prevented from coming into contact with the tube 7. Holding member 3
between the intermediate part 4 and the retaining part 3 by the conical part 4b of the intermediate part 4 and by the end of the locking element which abuts against the rib 3a of the retaining part, i.e. the rib 2.
It is stopped by f. Next, attach the pipe 7 to this joint.
The tube is held without being tightened, i.e. until the end of the tube abuts the radial flange 3d of the holding member after passing through the hole 6c , the O-ring 5 and the intermediate member 4. freely passes through member 3; In this position the tube is 3/3 of its stroke
4 will be fitted into the joint, but since it is not held, it can be pulled out freely. The tension and locking stroke of the retaining member remains in effect. Since the tube 7 only rests against the holding member, force is required to insert the tube to the end of the joint. This force is obtained as a function of the elastic force of the member. The tube holding element 3 is made of a material that acts like a spring and is therefore always elastic, whereas the locking element 2 is rigid. By applying the thrust of the tube 7 to the flange 3e , a constant force overcomes the hard point, causing it to deflect suddenly. At that moment, the rib 3a fixed on the deformable part of the holding member 3 is connected to the rib 2f of the locking element 2, which abuts the end 1e of the body .
The ribs 3a fit into the grooves 2d of the locking element (Fig. 3), and thus the retaining member and its teeth 3b
This will ensure that the tube 7 is tightened. When the rib 2f suddenly deflects, the tube is accelerated under a greater thrust force and comes into impulsive abutment with the radial flange 2g . At the same time, when this instantaneous rapid movement is created, the holding member tightens and locks the tube. At the end of the rapid movement, the two parts of the locking element and the retaining member are in a different position than their initial position and are locked to each other in such a way that they cannot return to their initial position. Where these parts are located, they are cut out to provide a comprehensive guarantee of holding the tube against vibration and pressure. During the entire locking operation, the final jolting movement of assembly produces a click that is perceptible to the user. This constitutes an automatic self-checking device in which the assembly operation is checked by pulling on the tube to ensure that it is properly held. FIG. 1 shows the fitting with the tube properly installed, the click engaged and the retaining member locked. When a force is applied to pull the tube out of the coupling, the conical portion 3c of the retaining member will come into tight abutment with the female cone of the intermediate member 4, and the tooth 3b will penetrate further into the tube 7. . At the same time, the intermediate part 4 is forcefully fixed against the O-ring 5, which is thereby compressed and ensures permanent tightening. According to the invention, the stroke of the intermediate member 4 is limited, i.e., on the one hand, the intermediate member 4 compresses the O-ring 5 and abuts it, and on the other hand, the forward stroke of the intermediate member 4 is limited to the flange 4 of the intermediate member 4. a and shoulders 1d of the coupling body, a unique arrangement is obtained in which the advancement of the intermediate member 4 is prevented when the tube is installed in the holding member 3. Therefore, it is ensured that the advancement of the intermediate member 4 does not cause the teeth 3b to prematurely clamp the tube, which would be detrimental. In such a stop position, the intermediate member 4 is attached to the O-ring 5.
, so that the O-ring 5 is free to expand during installation of the tube. This allows the tube to pass through smoothly, making it easy to assemble. FIG. 4 shows the same fitting as in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, but the sealing means are replaced by a ring 8 with a rectangular cross section, which has a hole 8 a for guiding the tube. It is held by an elastic split ring 9 placed in the groove 1h of the main body. The ring 8 abuts against the shoulder 1f of the body. FIG. 5 shows a joint consisting of a body 1 with a threaded portion or tapped hole 1b into which a hollow screw 11 is screwed via an O-ring 10. The inner housing of this device is divided into a body 1 and a hollow screw 11, within the body 1 a housing 1m bounded by a radial end, namely 1e , is used for the stroke of the holding member 3, while a hollow In the screw 11 holes 11 a , 11 b and 11 d are formed as part of the housing. The locking element 2 abuts the body at 1 t and is guided in the bore 11 a of the hollow screw. The locking element 2 is naturally constituted by a ring without radial flanges and is provided with circular ribs 2f and grooves 2d similar to the locking elements described above. The stroke of the intermediate member 4 for compressing the O-ring 5 is limited by the crimp portion 11e . FIG. 5 shows the joint during the installation of the tube, in which case the tube passes through the hole 11 c , the O-ring 5 and the intermediate piece 4 and passes through the holding element 3 , and also through the holding element 3 . It is in contact with the radial flange 3d of No.3. These members are in the position where they are about to be locked. It is clearly seen that the retaining teeth 3b are not in contact with the tube 7 at this time. In the joint shown in Figure 6, the inner arrangement is similar to that of Figures 1 and 4 in the locked position, but the body 1 is provided with a tap hole 12b , in which the shoulder The hollow screw 12 that came into contact with the main body 1 at 12a is screwed in. The joint shown in FIG. 7 consists of a main body 1 into which a sealing member 14 is screwed, one end of the sealing member 14 is provided with a conical portion 14b , and an O-ring 5 is fitted in the middle portion of the conical portion 14b. In addition, the other end of the member 14 is provided with a hole 14c for guiding the tube. O-ring 5 is not compressed and operates normally. An O-ring 13 is arranged between the main body 1 and the sealing member 14. This fitting is shown in the state before the tube is loaded, with the locking element 2 abutting the radial surface 1t of the body and the retaining member 3 being secured against the radial end of the body 1 at the end of the locking operation. Part 1 e Contact. FIG. 8 has the same locking device as FIG. 5,
Although an embodiment with a sealing screw 15 is shown,
O-ring 5 is not compressed and groove 15 in screw 15
d is easily fitted. In the joint shown in FIG. 8, the tube is in a state before it is locked during installation. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a joint similar to FIG. 3, but in which the locking element 2 is symmetrical. The locking element 2 is constituted by an annular member, which is provided at both ends with circular ribs 2f , between which grooves 2d are formed. The advantage of this locking element is that it can be mounted in either direction and therefore cannot be mistaken. In this variant, the locking element 2 abuts a radial shoulder 1t of the body. FIG. 9 shows the coupling during installation, with the pipes fully fitted and the retaining element 3 locked by the locking element 2. The main body 1 of the joint shown in FIG. 10 is provided with a tap hole 1b into which a hollow sealing screw 12 having a hole 12c is fitted via an O-ring 13. The O-ring 5 can move within a certain range within the bore 1c of the body. The retaining element 3, which is constructed differently from the previous ones, has an annular stiffening part 3f , which constitutes a direct support for the O-ring 5. The retaining tooth 3b is arranged in the center of the retaining member, and the locking rib 3a is centered between the two teeth 3b . The member 3 has elasticity, and the slits are first to
It is formed in reverse to that of FIG. Also provided is a tube stop or end 1e of the body.
The coupling is shown nearly locked during installation, as in the previously illustrated embodiments. The O-ring 5 is compressed by a retaining member acting thereon under pressure. FIG. 11 shows the same joint in the locked state, with the rib 3a of the retaining member joining the groove 2d of the locking element.
The tooth 3b fits into the wall of the tube. Figures 12 and 13 show the same device as in Figures 10 and 11, but the retaining member 3 is made of stamped or punched thin sheet metal. This member 3 is provided with a cutout for forming a retaining tooth 3b at the end of the bent portion 3h . These bent portions 3h are compressed by the locking element 2, as shown in FIG.
It is designed to snap into groove 2d . In FIG. 12, the tube 7 is mounted inside the holding member 3 before being locked. In order to allow the tube to contact the end of the part 3 before being locked, the part 3 has split flanges 3g and holes 1c and 1a in the body.
There is a rigid shoulder between them. During locking, the flange 3g passes through the hole 1a and tightens the tube slightly. In FIG. 13, the tube is fully installed and locked, the fitting is under pressure and the O-ring 5 is compressed by the retaining member 3. O-ring 13 and portion 12h of sealing screw 12 seal out dirt and paint. In FIGS. 12 and 13, the support lining 16, which is mandatory for some tubes made of plastic material, is applied to the inside of the tube. 15 shows the inner part of the fitting of FIG. 13, which has been removed by loosening the sealing screw 12. FIG. This shows that the O-ring 5 can be removed and easily replaced when the part is separated from the body. In fact, the sealing screw 12 can be pulled out slightly, and the installation is constituted by a locking element and a retaining member fixed to the tube. After the O-ring has been replaced, it is easy to turn the sealing screw and reassemble the fitting. It should be noted that in many of the embodiments this disassembly and O-ring replacement can be performed and is a key feature of the invention. FIG. 14 shows a joint in which all parts other than the locking element correspond to the embodiment of FIG. 7. In this example, the locking element consists of a large clip 17, in particular an elastic split ring. In this embodiment, the clip itself constitutes a rib of the locking element in the previously described embodiment, and the said clip is attached to the portion 3n of the retaining member 3 by passing over the notch 3k and the conical portion 3m constituting the rib . and lock it. In this position, the clip clamps the retaining member 3 onto the tube 3. In FIG. 14, the tube is loaded unlocked into the fitting. FIG. 16 is a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1, which consists of a body 1 with a sealing nut 6, an O-ring 5 and an intermediate piece 4. FIG. However, the locking means are different and consist of a locking element 2 with a short stroke. The annular rib 3a of the retaining element 3 is forced into the locking element 2 and is arranged in a slightly recessed groove 2d , where this retaining element is under considerable tension. This device has the advantage of a very sharp click during installation and that the retaining edges can be tightened considerably. Furthermore, this is a key feature of this embodiment that, after removing the nut, the locking element 2
is unlocked and removed from the assembly of parts. Therefore, the locking element can be replaced with some force using a disassembly tool. The joint shown in FIG. 17 is a modification of FIG. 14 and differs from the previous embodiment in the locking means. The locking element 2 is symmetrical and can be mounted in any direction, and instead of having a groove or hollow as shown at 2d in FIG. 16, it has a raised circular rib 2e . . The retaining element therefore passes over the rib 2e and, moreover, over the notch 3k and the rib 3m , bringing the rib 2e of the locking element into the part 3n . In this specific example,
The tube is being loaded and is mounted inside the holding member 3 without being locked. In the embodiment of the coupling shown in FIG. 18, the retaining member 3 is artificially opened in the installation position, with teeth arranged along the diameter to ensure clamping of the tube. At its end on the retaining tooth side, this retaining element is provided with a finger 3 t which fits into a conical part 14 f of the sealing screw 14 . This tube is assembled in two stages. (1) When the tube reaches the end of the holding member 3, remove the finger 3t from the conical portion 14f and remove the member 3 that tightens the tube 7. (2) By pushing the pipe further towards the end of the fitting,
Part 3s of the symmetrical locking element 2 is locked. In this device, a pretightening of the tube is applied to the locking force. Figures 19, 20, 21 and 22 show a joint according to the invention, in which the inner member is placed in a cover constituting a cartridge. This cartridge is adapted to be secured with a shallow fit into the body of the device, making disassembly of the assembly somewhat faster. FIG. 19 shows a joint in which the locking element 2 and the intermediate part 4 are guided in the bore 21a of the spacer 21. This spacer 21 limits the stroke of the intermediate member 4 and supports the annular O-ring 18. A thin pressed sheet metal cover 20 supports the entire cartridge. The cover 20 is provided with a flared flange 20f which allows the cartridge to be supported within a simple shallow housing of the body 1 by means of fixing screws 19. To remove pipe 7, remove screw 1 that secures the fitting.
By loosening 9 and pushing the tube inside the cartridge, the entire inner part of the fitting can be removed. Remove lock element 2 for repair or disassembly,
It is easy to replace the O-ring 5. In this type of cartridge, the O-ring 5 is subjected to the compressive pressure of the intermediate member 4. FIG. 20 shows a coupling in which the cover 24 is different and can be quickly connected to the body 1. For this purpose, the main body 1 is provided with holes 1 a and 1 c and a groove b ′.
A flange 22a of an elastic sleeve 22 (spring steel) is arranged at b', the sleeve 22 having a notch and a bent edge 22b . The sleeve 22 is divided into two parts and easily placed in a groove within its hole 1c . Cartridge assembly is instantaneous,
It is sufficient to push it into the housing. Although this is optional, a protective cover 23 is placed over the sleeve 22 to prevent it from oxidizing. Removal of the cartridge is instantaneous by means of a cone (not shown). This cone moves the edge 22b to allow the cartridge to pass. In FIG. 21, the inner member is the same as that in FIG. 19, but the cover 27 has a device for quick attachment to the body 1. The device includes a ring 25 permanently attached by a flange 25a .
The flange 25a abuts against a flange 27a formed at one end of the cover. The ring 25 is divided and has a concave portion 25b , which is inserted into the groove 1 of the body by a sliding member 26.
b', and is designed to be able to be disengaged therefrom. The member 26 slides over the outer cover 27 and its stroke is limited by clips 28. When member 26 is removed with a screwdriver or special fork at 1 c , member 2
6 comes out to the clip 28, and the cover or cartridge 27 is easily pulled out. Assembly can be carried out in reverse; it is sufficient to push the cover into position and press the snap-fitting member 26 in part 25b by means of the annular boss 26a . The body 1 consists of a single housing on a fairly short cylinder with a semicircular groove 1b '. In FIG. 22, the inner member is the same as in FIG. 19, but the cover or cartridge 30 is
The main body 1 is attached by a clip 31 having a trapezoidal cross section.
is maintained. The clip 31 is inserted into the groove 1b ' of the main body 1.
mounted on. The cover can be assembled by simply pressing it onto the main body. A guide push element 29 is mounted to slide around the outer circumference of the cover, the stroke of which is limited by a clip 28, by means of which the removal of the cartridge is instantaneous. Push element 29
By pushing the flange of the clip 31 to open the clip 31 and pulling it, the cartridge can be instantly removed. In the joints shown in FIGS. 20, 21 and 22, the inner part is removed after removing the cover of the body 1 to which it is attached, similar to FIG. 19. Figures 23, 24, 25 and 26 show means for incorporating the coupling of the present invention into a body having at its other end conventional means for assembly of couplings as generally known. The coupling shown in FIG. 23 comprises the same inner device as shown in FIG. 16, but with a sealing ring 8 held by a clip 9 attached to the groove 1h of the body 1. At the other end of the main body,
There is a smooth cylindrical tail element 1 n , on which a compression coupling ring 32 with a tightening nut 31 is preformed. The device is shown in the installation state before the tube reaches the end of the holding member 3 and is locked. FIG. 24 shows a joint with the same inner member as shown in FIG. 23. The other end of the main body 1 has a conical portion 1 p and a seal ring 3 in the groove.
4 are provided, and a nut 33 held by a clip 32 arranged in the groove ensures the tightening of the connecting member of the other joint. This type of connection is attached to a common fitting with a female cone. FIG. 25 shows a joint having the same inner member as shown in FIG. 23. The other end of the main body 1 is provided with a male thread 1s and an O-ring 35, thereby providing a connecting member. By means of this connecting member, it can be attached in the usual manner to any device with a cylindrical tapping (the screw 1s may also be conical). FIG. 26 shows a device according to the invention having an inner member identical to that of the fitting of FIG. Attached to 36. Cover 36 is groove 3
6d , and an O-ring 18 is attached to the groove 36d . The cover 36 is mounted within the unitary housing with a cylindrical hole 1a with an end 1e. This cover has another groove 36 f into which the edge 1 b '' of the body is crimped.
For this reason, the cover is permanently attached to the main body and is integrated therewith. The joint and internal parts are disassembled by removing the clips 9 and pulling out the parts. The joint shown in FIG. 27 is provided with a particularly noteworthy locking means. The locking element 2 is made of a heat-treated metal spring and is force-fitted to the non-split end of the retaining member, the annular groove 2d of the locking element being connected to the rib 3t of the member 3 .
It corresponds to This locking operation takes place completely by a sharp displacement, since the locking element 2 strongly clamps the holding member 3. This special assembly is attached to the inside of the cover or cartridge similar to the structure of FIG.
This is done by a clip 37 which is attached to the groove 1h of the body 1 and cooperates with the conical part 1t of the cover. The clip 7 has a tab 37a which is pulled out when the cover 36 is removed. The invention has application in any area containing pressurized fluids, particularly in the preferred range of 0 to 40 bar, and is further improved by strengthening the seal and increasing the number of edges holding the tube. High pressures are also possible. This device is particularly suitable for use in the rapid installation of brake circuits on heavy duty trucks operated by compressed air. This coupling device is completely safe and requires virtually no time to load the tube. Areas where safety is of fundamental importance, chemical applications involving hazardous gases, especially combustion gases, and products requiring considerable safety precautions, are particularly preferred for use of the present invention. Another area in which the invention is particularly useful is in quick fittings of plastic pipes in sanitary equipment dissipating hot and cold water in homes and factories,
Saves considerable manpower. The description given above is of course not limiting, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an axial cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the improved quick coupling of the present invention in use. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the fitting of FIG. 1 before the tube is inserted; Figure 3 shows that the tubes are fitted and
FIG. 3 is a half view of the same fitting after the inner parts have been locked; FIG. 4 is a half view in axial section showing another embodiment of a joint sealed by a locked ring. FIG. 5 is a half view in axial section of a joint with a threaded cover. FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional half view of the joint sealed with an internal threaded ring. FIG. 7 is a half axial cross-sectional view of the joint sealed by a threaded stop supporting an O-ring and a female clamping cone. FIG. 8 is a half axial cross-sectional view of the coupling with the cover screwed onto the body. FIG. 9 is a half view in axial section of a joint with symmetrical locking elements. FIG. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view of the fitting during installation of the tube, with the retaining member reversed and the annular portion O-
in contact with the ring. FIG. 11 is an axial sectional view of the joint of FIG. 10 in use. FIG. 12 is a half-sectional view of a joint in which the retaining member is made of thin metal. FIG. 13 is an axial sectional view showing the joint of FIG. 12 in a locked state. FIG. 14 is a half-sectional view of a joint in which the locking element is constituted by an elastic ring. Figure 15 shows O
-The 12th, stripped bare so that the ring could be replaced.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of different parts of the joint shown in the figures; FIG. 16 is a half axial cross-sectional view of a joint with symmetrical locking elements and grooves. FIG. 17 is a half axial cross-sectional view of a coupling having a locking element with a rib or central boss. FIG. 18 is an axial cross-sectional half view of the fitting in which the retaining member provides an expansion element attached to the frustoconical portion of the body before the tube is fitted. FIG. 19 is a half view in axial section of a joint with a cover constituting a cartridge attached to the device. FIG. 20 is a half view in axial section of a coupling with a cover forming a cartridge fixed to the device by means of an elastic ring; FIG. 21 is a half view in axial section of a coupling with a cover forming a cartridge fixed to the device by means of an elastic ring and a sliding ring; FIG. 22 is a half view in axial section of a coupling with a cover forming a cartridge secured by a clip in a groove of the device; Figure 23 shows
FIG. 2 is a half view in axial section of a joint of the invention, the body of which has a joint with a compression ring at the other end; FIG. 24 is a half axial cross-sectional view of a joint of the invention, the body of which has a conical joint with a ring at the other end. FIG. 25 is a half view in axial section of the joint of the present invention, and the other end is provided with a threaded portion. FIG. 26 is a half axial cross-sectional view of a fitting with a cover-forming cartridge secured to the device by a crimp portion; Second
FIG. 7 is an axial cross-sectional half view of a joint with an elastic ring and a cover-forming cartridge secured by a symmetrical elastic split locking element in tension; 1...Hollow body, 2...Lock element, 3...
Holding member, 4... Intermediate member, 5... Seal, 6...
... Sealing means, 7... Tube, 1a... First hole, 1c
...Second hole, 3a...Circular rib, 4, 5, 6...
...Closing device (intermediate member 4, O-ring 5, nut 6).

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. A fitting for a pipe having a smooth, flat end portion, comprising: (a) a hollow body having a first hole opening through one end thereof; and a second hole opening through the other end of the body and communicating with the first hole, the first hole having a diameter such that the tube can be inserted therein. (b) a locking element disposed within said first aperture; (c) a retaining member disposed within said first aperture; A retaining member receives the smooth end portion of the tube therein and is movable in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first hole, with at least a portion of the retaining member disposed against the outer surface of the tube. (d) on the outer surface of the retaining member capable of engaging a second rib on the inner surface of the locking element when the tube is inserted a predetermined distance into the retaining member; a detent device comprising a first rib that is oriented so that when a user applies further force to the tube;
The retaining member is deformed and snaps into a groove formed adjacent the second rib of the locking element over the second rib to engage the outer surface of the tube. (e) a closure device surrounding the tube and attached to the hollow body to prevent the retention member and the locking element from being removed from the first hole; .